The Ministry of Tourism has taken steps to develop Sigiriya and the Yala National Park as the first eco-friendly and sustainable tourist destinations free of plastic.
Subject Minister Prasanna Ranatunga said identified areas in Sigiriya and surrounding areas are expected to be declared as plastic free zones while the Yala tourist zone will also be determined as a plastic free area.
The Minister said a Cabinet Paper in this regard will be tabled in the near future.
The Ministry said the Tourism Ministry and the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority are working together to achieve Sustainable Development Goals for the tourism sector.
Meanwhile, the Tourism Ministry said the SLTDA is expected to conduct a pre-evaluation before issuing licenses or approval for tourism projects.
The statement noted future tourism related projects must be submitted for approval in accordance with SDGs.
Minister Ranatunga added an internal unit for sustainable tourism promotion and development will be established at the Tourism Development Authority to assist in this regard.
